Tshwane emergency services department remains on high alert following a warning issued by the South African Weather Service of possible severe storms over parts of Gauteng.

Emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said the department would respond to life-threatening emergencies and co-ordinate interventions aimed at dealing with the possible impact of the predicted storms.

The weather service said severe thundershowers were expected in the late afternoon into the late evening over Gauteng, the north-eastern areas of the North West province, the extreme south-western parts of Limpopo and the Highveld of Mpumalanga.

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The weather service also warned that there was an indication that storms could be associated with hail, localised flooding and strong winds

The impact of the storms could lead to flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying bridges that could make travelling difficult, and cause damage to formal and informal settlements.

“There is a risk of trees being uprooted due to the winds. This might result in damage to infrastructure and property, as well as danger to humans due to flying debris.

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“Our disaster risk management teams are working with relevant city departments to co-ordinate the implementation of the flood incident management plan,” Mabaso said

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“We urge motorists to avoid driving through flooded low-water bridges as they risk their lives and damage to their vehicles. We call upon residents to remain vigilant and consider their safety as a priority during this rainy season,” he said.

To enable emergency response and co-ordination of other response measures during storms, dial 107 toll-free from a landline or cell phone.